Senior Category Planning Manager

Department: Supply Chain

Location: Vancouver

Compensation: $145,000 - $185,000 / year

Description

Hi there, we're Article. Since 2013, we have been redefining the furniture industry one sofa at a time. This is where you come in, as the Senior Category Planning Manager, you are responsible for shaping and executing category-level planning strategies that align with business objectives, financial targets, and operational efficiencies.

Why We Need You:

This role oversees all Article product categories, ensuring inventory availability, demand accuracy, and profitability. As a strategic leader, this role collaborates closely with senior stakeholders, including Category Management Team, Finance, Sourcing, Sales, and Marketing, while leading a team of category planning managers and planners to drive results.

How the team works:
We are a hybrid team - you'll be required to be in our Vancouver, BC office 3 days per week of your choosing.

What You'll Do:

Strategic Category Planning & Business Impact

• Develop and execute category planning strategies that align with financial goals, Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets, and sales targets.
• Drive strategic decision-making using data-driven insights to optimize inventory investments and category performance.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to overstock, stockouts, and supply constraints while maximizing profitability.
• Ensure long-term category planning is aligned with company objectives and growth strategies.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Category Planning Managers and Planners, fostering a high-performance and accountability-driven culture.
• Define and implement best practices to improve forecasting accuracy, inventory health, and business performance.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for the team, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with VP of Merchandising, Supply Chain Planning and Finance leaders to align category planning with broader business goals.
• Lead key planning meetings, ensuring category strategies support financial and operational objectives.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Order Management teams to ensure alignment on vendor capacity and production planning.

Process Optimization & System Enhancements

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation to enhance planning efficiency.
• Partner with IT and Business Intelligence teams to improve reporting capabilities and analytics.
• Drive the adoption of advanced planning tools for better decision-making and operational effectiveness.

Who You Are:

• 8+ years of experience in category planning, demand planning, or merchandising, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with experience in leading and developing high-performance teams.
• Ability to inspire and guide team members while creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies.
• Expertise in supply chain planning tools (e.g., IBP, Blue Yonder (JDA), John Galt, Anaplan, Tableau).
• Legally able to work in Canada.
• Completion of criminal background check.

Perks & Benefits:

Wealth:

• The salary range is $145,000 to $185,000. The starting salary will be determined by your transferable skills, knowledge, work experience, and the hiring team's budget.
• 4% RRSP matched contributions through Wealthsimple.

Life:

• 20 days of vacation*
• 6 well-being (sick) days
• 1 Inclusion and Diversity Day
• Hybrid work: 3 days a week in the office
• Work remotely (anywhere in the world) for up to 3 weeks.

Total Health:

• Excellent extended health and dental benefits packages.
• $1000 health/lifestyle spending account* for your total physical and mental well-being.
• TELUS Health App
  
  • Mental Health Assistance/Counseling
  • Virtual medical appointments

Office Space:

• The Article HQ is a converted warehouse, with an open accessible layout and no offices.
• Work from your desk, an Article sofa, collaboration spaces, or a private meeting room.
• Our kitchens are stocked with snacks and premium coffees and teas.
• Onsite fitness equipment with showers and towel service.
• A dog-friendly office - well-socialized pups are welcome.

Getting here:

• Free street parking (first come, first serve).
• Indoor secure bike storage with change rooms and showers.
• 20-minute walk to either Main Street- Science World or VCC Clark Skytrain stations.

Extra:

• 45% discount on our entire product range (15% for friends and family).

*Prorated
Criminal Background Checks:
Having a criminal record does not restrict your employment at Article. Criminal background checks are only conducted with your permission and after a conditional employment offer has been accepted.
Work Authorization:
All open roles require legal authorization to work in the location where the job is based, without requiring VISA sponsorship.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
At Article, we value and respect individuals for their different talents, skills, abilities, and unique contributions. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs.
Accommodations:
If an applicant requires an accommodation due to a disability or any other protected characteristic, feel free to email ta.accommodation@article.com or let the hiring team know at any stage of the recruitment process.